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Lesley McKenzie

SPECIALISMS

Family

Lesley has practised in the field of child protection work for approximately 20 years, dealing with complex care cases. Lesley acts on behalf of Local Authorities, parents, children, Guardians and other family members. She has extensive experience of dealing with all aspects of public and private law, family proceedings, Children Act proceedings, domestic violence. Lesley also deals with Ancillary Relief matters.

CASES

Northumberland County Council v. Z, Y, X (By Her Children’s Guardian) and the Government of the Republic of Kenya [2009] EWHC 498 (Fam); [2009] 2 FLR 696, FD

WHAT OTHERS SAY

"Draws praise for her vast expertise in relation to child protection matters, including complex care proceedings. She receives instructions from a range of clients, and regularly acts on behalf of local authorities, guardians and family members. "She's incredibly bright, forceful when she needs to be, and very well respected by the judges."" Chambers UK 2014

"an experienced barrister with expertise spanning the full range of family law issues." Chambers UK 2013

"recommended" Legal 500 2012

"offers the full range of family law expertise to her instructing solicitors. Child protection cases are just one aspect of her "highly efficient" practice." Chambers UK 2012

"confident and persuasive" Legal 500 2011

"Lesley McKenzie does well handling a caseload that nicely balances public and privately funded work. She is particularly admired for cohabitation cases." Chambers UK 2011

" frighteningly bright but pragmatic as well" Legal 500 2010

"Always prepared and astute enough to deal with all eventualities."Legal 500 2009

"Lesley McKenzie strikes the market as “competent and sensible,” and has a well-rounded family practice that includes ancillary relief work as well as children cases. Her name comes up most often in connection with public law work."Chambers UK 2008

"Lesley McKenzie knows her case – she fights, or settles, whichever is best for the client." Legal 500 2008

"...is a fighter but commercial enough to know which fights are worth having..." Legal 500 2007